IT'S well known that intense exercise has many benefits – helping with health, fitness and overall well-being.

And Spark Energy have turned its staff’s hard work into a cash boost for a charity named after a West Linton nurse.

Employees at the Selkirk-based energy supplier pedalled on two exercise bikes between 9am and 5pm in 15-minute slots.

After calculating the total amount of energy generated, they converted the figure into cash, donating £516 to the Margaret Kerr Unit at the Borders General Hospital.

Chris Gauld, chief executive at Spark Energy, said: “Congratulations to the team for undertaking this challenge. Not only has it been a fun activity to take part in, it has raised £516 which can be given directly to this great cause.

“This facility carries out fantastic work and it is an honour to be able to support the incredible contribution it makes to the communities it works in.

“Customer service is a major focus for our business and we’re proud to be carry out a programme of activity to mark National Customer Service Week.”

The Margaret Kerr Unit, a building in the Borders General Hospital which houses a Specialist Palliative Care Team which provides assistance across the entire Southern region.

The site is named after the West Linton nurse whose legacy helped to kick-start fundraising for the project.

The remainder of the funds for the unit - which cost more than £4m - came from a variety of sources including more than £1m from a public appeal.

Two exercise bikes for the event were kindly donated by Borders Sport and Leisure Trust.